Athens, AL – Brad Ableman secured the season opener victory in the American Bass Anglers Pro League, Presented by Caymas Boats, North Alabama Division 1, held on February 24, 2024, at Lake Guntersville. Despite challenging conditions, the angling competition proved fruitful for many, with half of the participants achieving a 5-fish limit. Starting at a chilly 38 degrees during take-off, the weather gradually warmed to 52 degrees by weigh-in, accompanied by moderate winds reaching up to 18 mph.
Launching from Goose Pond Colony Resort in Scottsboro, AL, Brad, hailing from Guntersville, AL, displayed remarkable skill, securing a 5-bass tournament limit weighing 31.34 pounds, clinching the victory. His outstanding performance included landing a remarkable 7.73-pound largemouth, ultimately sealing his triumph with a lead of 4.28 lbs. Brad also claimed the prestigious big fish honors, earning a substantial prize of $4600.00 for 1st place and an additional $700.00 for the big fish catch, making each fish he brought to the scales valued at $1060.00.
Brad stated, “I was using my live scope all day, concentrating on stumps and bushes in the deep creek channels. I started off pretty hot in the morning; I had around 22 to 23 pounds in the first 2 hours, along with my big fish. Then the wind started changing direction, and the bite went away. I started moving around a lot, looking for them, and then around 12:30, I decided to go to an area I felt was protected from the wind. I was able to locate them and managed to cull three times to close out the day.”
Coming in second among the 70 anglers, Hayden Marbut of Birmingham, AL also landed his 5-bass limit, weighing in at 27.06 pounds. With his 2nd place finish, he was able to pocket $2500.00.
“I was fishing bait balls, using ½” Picasso Lures tungsten Ballhead. The wind made it kind of tough to manage the boat right. I was not able to get a bunch of bites. But the ones I got were the right bites. I was anywhere from 15 to 35 feet deep,” stated Hayden.
Finishing in third place, Monty Yeager from Florence, AL, had 5 fish for 21.87 pounds with a lunker of 4.85 pounds. Monty was able to pocket a check for $1800.00.
“I found my fish out in about 12 feet of water on the edge of grass, using a ½” swimbait during practice. Being old school, that is the pattern fish all day. The wind kind of messed me up a little, but I stayed with it,” stated Monty.
Finishing in 4th place, Josh Butler of Gurley, AL, had a 5-fish limit for 21.23 pounds, which put a $1400.00 check in his pocket.
“I was fishing in 2 to 4 feet of water all day, throwing ½ and ¾” rattle traps in the grass,” stated Thomas.
Finishing in 5th place was Kenneth Malone of Columbiana, AL. He had 5 fish for 20.12 pounds and a kicker of 5.85 pounds to pocket a check of $1100.00.
“I caught all my fish on a Gary Yamamoto Smoke Shad in about 8 to 10 feet of water, rigged on Tucker Smith Head, switching between a 3/8 and ¼ ounce,” stated Kenneth.
Top 25
The next event for this division will be March 23, 2024 at Wiess Lake, going out of Leesburg Landing.
About American Bass Anglers
American Bass Anglers, committed to providing low-cost, close-to-home tournaments, offers an exciting platform for individual angler progression. With the support of industry-leading companies, ABA continues to advance the sport of bass fishing.
For more information about the ABA Professional League and other series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
Join the ABA Professional League and embark on a journey where skill, determination, and strategy are the keys to success. Experience the thrill of fishing like a true professional in the ABA Professional League!
American Bass Anglers is proud to be sponsored by Caymas Boats, Mercury Marine, T-H Marine, Power Pole, RT Outdoors, Optima Batteries, Hotel Planner.com, and LurePartsOnline.com.
About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is dedicated to organizing affordable, local tournaments for weekend anglers while offering opportunities for individual angler advancement. To learn more about American Bass Anglers, including the Team Series, American Fishing Tour, American Couples Series, annual Military Team Bass Tournament, Top 150 Solo Tour, and Pro League, all presented by Caymas Boats, please visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
